Category: Self Help

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Want to learn more about the power of mindset?

Having the right mindset can turn any obstacles or setbacks in your life into opportunities for growth. So if you want to start the year with a completely different set of mental tools then these quotes will help reprogram yourself, and leave unproductive, unsupportive mindsets behind.

Before we bring forth the quotes, let’s talk a little bit more about mindset.

Why You Should Read Change Your Mindset Quotes

Your mindset is the beliefs and attitudes that you use to make sense of the world around you and yourself. In modern times psychologists like to talk about the difference between a fixed vs growth mindset, for example.

So, why is mindset essential and what can it do for you? How do you develop a more useful and fulfilling mindset?

There are a whole bunch of actions you can take to develop a growth mindset, such as consuming media that sends a positive message (like watching a Rocky film), reading motivational stories of people overcoming the odds, or even quote posts like this.

The thoughts you think also impact your mindset, tell yourself that you can’t achieve something and your mind will make that happen. View your skills and abilities as fixed and unchanging and watch yourself stagnate.

The great thing about being human is that you can consciously determine your mindset. If you grew up around people who put you down you can build yourself a cast-iron mindset that will see you through adversity.

However, it’s important to note that this process takes time. So, you might want to bookmark these change your mindset quotes and come back from time to time. The more stuff about growth or a positive mindset you read, the more your thoughts change to match, and then your actions change to follow your ideas.

55 Change Your Mindset Quotes for 2023

1. “Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda
2. “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
3. “The only person who can transform your life is the one you see every day in the mirror. Be you the one who shapes your own destiny.” – Federico Navarrete
4. “Choose the positive. You have choice, you are master of your attitude, choose the positive, the constructive. Optimism is a faith that leads to success.” – Bruce Lee
5. “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” – Rob Siltanen

6. “Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality.”  – Earl Nightingale
7. “To change your life, you must change your mindset.” – Brad Turnbull
8. “Enter every activity without giving mental recognition to the possibility of defeat.  Concentrate on your strengths, instead of your weakness … on your powers, instead of your problems.” – Paul J. Meyer
9. “Your attitude can either be your best friend who has your best interest at heart or your worst enemy who wants to see you fail, destroy your life, and be miserably unhappy.” – Stephanie Lahart
10. “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”  – Albert Einstein

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”  – Albert Einstein

11. “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” – Maya Angelou
12. “Success is a mindset. Let’s learn how to create a positive one.” – Beau Norton
13. “You’re always one choice away from changing your life.” – Mac Anderson
14. “If your mindset is defeated, the results will be the same no matter how often you put up a physical fight” – Mac Duke
15. “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” – Albert Einstein
16. “Don’t dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha

17. “It is in the small decisions you and I make every day that creates our destiny.” – Tony Robbins
18. “We think positive thoughts and we become a positive person”. – Andrew Evans
19. “Don’t let a bad day, bad people, or bad circumstances stop you from finding the good, being happy and sharing that with others.” – Makyla Burke
20. “Conscious discipline creates control and clarity to act intentionally.” – Tony Dovale
21. “It is the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief.  And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” – Claude M. Bristol
22. “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
23. “You’ve got to win in your mind before you win in your life.” – John Addison

You’ve got to win in your mind before you win in your life.” – John Addison

24. “Remember that what you are feeling does not reflect your reality! We cannot always control the thoughts that come into our minds, but we can control the thoughts that we dwell on.” – Les Brown
25. “Everyday no matter what I face, I can smile and love others.” – Laura Pexton
26. “To rise out of poverty you must change your way of thinking. You can’t live in abundance with impoverished thoughts.” – Germany Kent
27. “It’s amazing what ordinary people can do if they set out without preconceived notions.” – Charles F. Kettering
28. “Feed your mind just as you do your body. Feed it with good ideas, wherever they can be found. Always be on the lookout for a good idea; a business idea, a product idea, a service idea, an idea for personal improvement.” – Jim Rohn
29. “Get your mind going in the right direction and you’ll get your life going in the right direction.” – Joel Osteen

30. “If you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow.” – Buddha
31. “Your Brain Gains Satiety From What You Feed It Daily, And It Multiplies It More. So Feed It Right!” – Mike Ssendikwanawa
32. “No great improvements in the lot of mankind are possible until a great change takes place in the fundamental constitution of their modes of thought.” – John Stuart Mi
33. “Whatever your mind can conceive and believe it can achieve. – Napoleon Hill
34. “When you master your mind and your deep unconscious abilities, you will move ahead faster and achieve more in a shorter period of time than perhaps you could even imagine today.” – Brian Tracy
35. “We don’t always have control over where life brings us but we can control how we choose to respond to new circumstances.” – L Lionel Kendrick

We don’t always have control over where life brings us but we can control how we choose to respond to new circumstances.” – L Lionel Kendrick

36. “No man is ever whipped until he quits — in his own mind.” – Napoleon Hill
37. “When you become the master of your mind, you are master of everything.” – Swami Satchidananda
38. “The mind enables us to shape the world around us and conform it to our wishes, to provide ourselves with warmth, shelter, food, water, protection, sanitation, and medicine.” – Russ Harris
39. “A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.” – Joyce Meyer
40. “Nothing can stop the person with the right mental attitude from achieving his goals. Nothing on earth can help the person with the wrong mental attitude.” – Thomas Jefferson
41. “You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” – Joyce Meyer
42. “Wherever life plants you, bloom with grace.” – Dr. Annette Childs

43. “Our greatest battles are that with our own minds.” – Jameson Fran
44. “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” – Aristotle
45. “If we allow ourselves to recognize the mystery and the wonder of existence, our fogged minds clear. Thinking clearly, we follow wonder to awe, and in a state of awe, we are as close to true wisdom as we will ever be.” – Dean Koontz
46. “The greatest win is walking away and choosing not to engage in drama and toxic energy at all.” – Lalah Delia
47. “Real difficulties can be overcome; It is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.” – Theodore N.Vail

Real difficulties can be overcome; It is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable.” – Theodore N.Vail

48. “Every thought we think is creating our future.” – Louise Hay
49. “When we’re willing to accept our internal experiences and commit ourselves to doing what matters, we create a mental state known as psychological flexibility.” – Giulia Suro
50. Being positive in a negative situation is not naïve. It’s leadership.” – Ralph Marston
51. “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Les Brown
52. “What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds.” – Wayne Dyer
53. “When reason ends, then anger begins. Therefore, anger is a sign of weakness.” – Dalai Lama

54. “Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it.” – Steve Maraboli
55. “The difference between success and mediocrity is all in the way you think.” –Dean Francis

Final Thoughts on Change Your Mindset Quotes

Changing your mindset in 2023 is one of the best ways that you can take this year and make it into a year of success, growth, and happiness. We really do make our success in our minds first before it gets achieved in the real world.

For more on the growth mindset and how it can benefit you, check out these 27 habits to develop the growth mindset in your life.

Finally, if you want to use these quotes to make a lasting change to your life, then watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what’s truly important to you..

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

Looking for ways to better understand the human condition? One way to do so is by listening to songs about greed and materialism.

Today, we have put together a collection of great songs on this meaningful topic.

These songs describe how people become fixated on material things, want more than their fair share, and fall into the trap of excessive consumerism and keeping up with the Joneses.

Their lyrics warn listeners of the dangers of letting greed and materialism dominate their lives.

Are you ready to take a closer look? Let’s dive in.

1. Money, Michael Jackson

“Anything, anything for money. Would lie for you, would die for you. Even sell my soul to the devil. Anything, anything for money.”

This unreleased single from Michael Jackson describes the frustration of someone who cannot trust even his closest friends. The person feels that everyone around him is just exploiting him, and that they’re just after his money.

2. For the Love of Money (Driven OST), Rare Blend

“For the love of money people will steal from their mother. For the love of money people will rob their own brother.”

Here is a song that tells about how greedy people are willing to betray their family and friends just to get their hands on some money.

Getting more money is their main goal and they don’t care who gets hurt by their actions.

3. Money Talks, Rick James

“Where do all the cash and the dough and those greenback dollars go? Money’s walkin’, the money’s walkin’. People need to eat, to put shoes on their little baby’s feet. That’s money talkin’, yeah!”

This song tells of the sad reality of today’s society. We simply cannot function without money. From the food we eat and clothes we wear to the roofs over our heads, everything we need has to be paid for.

For this reason, we all have to find ways to get money for what we need. No wonder so many people want to have more of it.

4. A Time to Buy, Katie Melua

“Laurie’s head is buzzing. Can’t remember what she came here for. Couldn’t keep her promise not to gaze at things she can’t afford. ‘Cause there’s shoes, bags, and silk scarves and dreams of summer days. And now she’s wording a letter to her bosses for a raise.”

Here is a song about excessive consumerism. There are so many products out there that appeal to our desire for nice things. People are often bombarded with ads—on billboards, in newspapers and magazines, on the TV, and online—and feel they need to have the latest gadgets, fashion, vacations, etc.

When people can’t afford what they want, they often develop bad money habits just to keep up with the trends.

5. Material Girl, Madonna

“‘Cause we are living in a material world and I am a material girl.”

This song launched Madonna to “icon” status when it was released. It describes how some people will go to great lengths to further their ambitions for power, fame, and money, even by manipulating others.

6. Just for Money, Paul Hardcastle

“Some are willing to murder for a night out on the town. Others hang around you when there’s lots of it around. But worst of all are people who really have no need. They do it for these reasons. In spite and out of greed. Just for the money.”

The lyrics of this song are a bit darker than most on this list. They describe the terrible things people are willing to do for money, such as planning the heist of the century with the possibility of a large number of casualties.

7. Money, Money, Money, Abba

“Money, money, money. Must be funny in the rich man’s world. Money, money, money. Must be sunny in the rich man’s world… All the things I could do if I had a little money. It’s a rich man’s world…”

Money can become the object of obsession. We often witness that in films, and it also happens in real life.

This song is about someone who wonders what it’s like to be very rich. What would you do? What’s the first thing you’d buy if you had a lot of money?

8. Greed and Gold, Seth Lakeman

“Greed and gold. Greed and gold. Forever the loneliest road.”

Here is another song telling us about the terrible things some people are willing to do to get what they want. They do not respect boundaries and don’t care about the consequences of their actions, as long as their greed is temporarily appeased.

9. Money, Pink Floyd

“Money, get away. You get a good job with more pay and you’re okay. Money, it’s a gas. Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.”

This song describes how money causes contradictions in people’s lives.

On one hand, we are temporarily happy with the money we earn from our jobs—but at the same time, we dream of having more money so that we’ll be able to afford luxurious things.

10. Personal Shopper, Steven Wilson

“Buy for comfort, buy for kicks. Buy and buy until it makes you sick.”

This song is an anthem for the fear of missing out. It describes how excessive materialism has taken over many people’s lives, to the point that they buy stuff they don’t really need in order to keep up with the trends.

The song also points out that some people define who they are through the stuff they own.

Sad, isn’t it?

11. Money Changes Everything, Cyndi Lauper

“Money changes everything. I said money, money changes everything. We think we know what we’re doing. That don’t mean a thing. It’s all in the past now. Money changes everything.”

Another danger presented by greed and materialism is that people often change when they come into a lot of money.

We’ve mentioned earlier that there are people who are willing to do terrible things because they’re fueled by their love for money.

In addition, as this song tells us, there are people who will leave a loving relationship for a loveless one that offers wealth and material comfort.

12. More and More and More, Ryan Montbleau

“I found everything I ever wanted. And it opened up a door. I took one half look around. There were half a million more. I found everything I ever needed and more and more and more.”

Materialism is when people are never satisfied with what they’ve got. They keep on buying more things to try and satisfy a craving or longing that doesn’t stop. This song describes this unfortunate situation very vividly.

13. Junk, Paul McCartney

“Buy, buy,’ says the sign in the shop window. ‘Why, why?’ says the junk in the yard.”

And what eventually happens to all the stuff that compulsive shoppers buy? Paul McCartney has an answer.

Sadly, most of those things just end up in the trash.

14. I Want It Now (Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory OST), Julie Dawn Cole

“I want the world. I want the whole world. I want to lock it all up in my pocket. It’s my bar of chocolate. Give it to me now!”

Veruca Salt in the movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory is the personification of greed. She sings this song as a tantrum because she isn’t allowed to have everything she wants in Wonka’s factory.

Her tantrum showed us all what a bad egg Veruca truly is!

15. Everything Counts, Depeche Mode

“The grabbing hands grab all they can. All for themselves, after all. It’s a competitive world. Everything counts in large amounts.”

Greedy people only care about getting more for themselves. It doesn’t matter if there isn’t anything left for others. As this song tells us, “everything counts in large amounts.”

16. Big Yellow Taxi, Joni Mitchell

“They took all the trees and put them in a tree museum. And they charged the people a dollar and a half just to see ’em.”

Joni Mitchell wrote this song after spending a holiday in Hawaii and being disappointed with what she saw.

The song is about how natural wonders are destroyed for the sake of making more money through the tourism industry.

It’s a sad reality that you might notice on your next holiday.

17. Give Give Give Me More More More, The Wonder Stuff

“So give, give, give me more, more, more. I’d like it all.”

Greedy people are insatiable. They only care about their own comfort and pleasure.

This song perfectly captures what must be the inner monologue in greedy people’s minds every day.

18. Mercedes Benz, Janis Joplin

“Oh, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz? My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends. Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends. So, Lord, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz?”

One characteristic of greedy people is that they’re usually jealous of other people’s successes and what others have. They want to have something better.

In this song, a person whose friend drives a sports car asks God for a luxury car, perhaps to one-up the people she calls friends.

19. Take the Money and Run, Crosby & Nash

“Take the money and run. ‘Cause you found out that it wasn’t hard to take the money and run because you were out of sight.”

This song is from the duo’s second studio album released in 1975. It is about taking advantage of an opportunity—perhaps a financial windfall—and not caring about the consequences.

20. Love Is Greed, Passion Pit

“Love… is just greed. It’s almost taken me. But now I can see. Love… is just greed. A selfish little need. You follow or you lead. If we really love ourselves, how do you love somebody else?”

Greed does not necessarily mean that someone is trying to become rich at the expense of others. In this song, love is described as a greedy need, where someone is bound to end up suffering from heartbreak.

21. Affluenza, Conan Gray

“All these kids have got affluenza. Going wreckin’ their daddy’s Benz, ah. Crystal liquor cups and designer drugs. They say ‘Money can’t buy you no love’. But a diamond cheers you right up. Give me none of your affluenza…”

Affluenza isn’t an officially recognized medical condition, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It is also known as “luxury fever,” causing excessive consumerism and consumption, as well as the desire to have more money, possessions, and recognition or fame.

Affluenza also describes how some rich people do not feel any remorse when they cause harm to others, considering themselves above the law because of their financial clout.

In this song, Conan Gray describes how some kids born into affluence make unwise decisions and end up ruining not only their own lives, but also the lives of those around them.

22. Love Don’t Cost a Thing, Jennifer Lopez

“Think you gotta keep me iced, you don’t. Think I’m gonna spend your cash, I won’t. Even if you were broke, my love don’t cost a thing. Think I wanna drive your Benz, I don’t. If I wanna floss, I got my own. Even if you were broke, my love don’t cost a thing.”

Many materialistic people assume that showering their loved ones with material possessions is the best way to express their feelings. This often causes a great misunderstanding and is a major reason for breakups. [Check out the Steps for Finding Peace After a Toxic Relationship.]

This track is about a woman who gets increasingly frustrated in her relationship because her partner keeps giving her expensive gifts rather than spending time with her.

In the song, she tries to make her partner realize that she’s not materialistic and that she truly loves her partner. If she wants luxuries, she can get them herself.

23. Material Things, Johnny Stimson

“I love material things because they light up the emptiness around me. Nothing can hurt as bad as human beings. And so I’m best friends with these.”

This is an honest declaration of a person’s preference to be in the company of material possessions rather than people.

The song describes how this person has been betrayed or hurt by those they trust. Now, they find solace in being surrounded by the stuff they constantly buy because it can’t hurt them.

24. Money Power Glory, Lana Del Rey

“I want money, power and glory. I want money and all your power, all your glory. Hallelujah, I wanna take you for all that you got. Hallelujah, I’m gonna take them for all that they got.”

If someone declares their intention to use you and take you for all that you have, as Lana Del Rey does in this song, you should take the warning seriously. The best thing to do is run in the opposite direction.

25. National Anthem, Lana Del Rey

“Money is the reason we exist. Everybody knows it, it’s a fact. Kiss, kiss.”

Here is another song about greed from Lana Del Rey.

The chorus of this song proclaims the bitter truth about society: Money makes the world go round.

26. Beautiful People, Ed Sheeran ft. Khalid

“Beautiful people. Drop top, designer clothes. Front row at fashion shows. ‘What d’you do?’ and ‘Who d’you know?’ Inside the world of beautiful people. Champagne and rolled-up notes. Prenups and broken homes. Surrounded, but still alone. Let’s leave the party.”

Fame and fortune can get into some people’s heads. They are often willing to let go of everything else in favor of their obsession with material things, money, and attention.

This song reveals that being considered one of the “beautiful people” does not necessarily bring happiness. It can even be very lonely and scary.

27. Land of Endless Greed, Bad Religion

“But out here in the lap of luxury. Unlimited guarantee for your insatiable need, in the land of endless greed.”

This song describes a place where greed is encouraged.

It is the kind of place where the beauty of nature is destroyed, to be replaced with money-making infrastructure. This is the place where compassion for others is replaced by competition.

28. Greed, Ann Wilson

“Greed is empty. Greed is lonely. Constant craving. For one thing, only. Greed is guilty. Greed is fakin’. Unforgiving and always taking.”

Ann Wilson describes this as an angry song. It is about people’s insatiable greed for anything, not just money or fame. For her, greed compels people to make bargains that they’ll later regret.

29. Made of Money, Adam Ant

“You think that I’m made of money. You’ve got something coming, honey. This ain’t no land of milk and honey. My accountant thinks that’s funny. Instead of trying to use your brains, you sit round and suck my veins.”

This song is about someone who realizes that their spouse only married them for their money. They suggest that the person start using their brains to earn money in a more honorable way.

30. It’s Money That Matters, Randy Newman

“It’s money that matters. Hear what I say. It’s money that matters in the USA.”

This song describes what has become top priority in the US. It is a sad realization that many Americans are spending most of their waking hours in pursuit of money.

31. If I Ain’t Got You, Alicia Keys

“Some people want it all. But I don’t want nothing at all. If it ain’t you, baby. If I ain’t got you, baby. Some people want diamond rings. Some just want everything. But everything means nothing if I ain’t got you, yeah.”

This song describes how some people have outrageous desires that are almost impossible to fulfill. This sometimes happens in romantic relationships, where a person demands expensive gifts as proof that their partner loves them.

However, Alicia Keys wisely chooses true love over diamond rings and three dozen roses. For her, happiness is there as long as her beloved is with her. [Check out some relationship goals couples use to grow their love.]

32. Fabulous (High School Musical 2 OST), Ashley Tisdale

“I want fabulous, that is my simple request. All things fabulous. Bigger and better and best. I need something inspiring to help me get along. I need a little fabulous, is that so wrong?”

In this song, Sharpay sings about wanting fabulous things. She won’t settle for less—she wants bigger, better, and best.

Wanting the best for yourself and your loved ones is actually a noble goal. However, if getting what you want harms others or puts others at a disadvantage, then that’s greed.

33. I Wanted Everything, The Ramones

“I wanted everything.”

This is a very direct and honest statement made by greedy people.

Perhaps they started out wanting everything in their childhood and nobody kept them in check. Now that they’re adults, they are determined to get what they want in whatever way possible.

34. Too Much, Dave Matthews Band

“I eat too much. I drink too much. I want too much, too much.”

Anything done in excess is a manifestation of greed. Here’s a song describing different ways of being greedy—of choosing quantity over quality.

Greed fuels overconsumption and overproduction, which have a negative impact on our economy and the environment. If people don’t keep their greed in check, we will all be reaping the consequences of overproduction and overconsumption pretty soon.

35. Bills, Bills, Bills, Destiny’s Child

“At first we started out real cool. Takin’ me places I ain’t never been. But now, you’re getting comfortable. You’re slowly making me pay for things your money should be handling.”

Relationships are usually a give-and-take affair. Unfortunately, they can also be a hunting ground for greedy people who are looking for an easy life at the expense of another.

In this song, Destiny’s Child describes a person who mooches off someone they’re in a relationship with.

Final Thoughts on Songs About Greed

There you have it—a collection of songs that describe the pitfalls of materialism and greed.

These tracks are a commentary on the human condition. Hopefully they will encourage all of us to consider the choices we make each day and actively choose to do things that fill our lives with meaning and value.

You can check out the following posts for other song collections on specific topics:

Finally, if you want to use these songs to make a lasting change to your life, then check out these 100 LIFE GOALS that can help you wake up each morning with a sense of enthusiasm about making progress toward what’s important..

“I woke up feeling rested and rejuvenated after tossing and turning all night long,” said no one ever. And while you may have had the stamina in your youth to go on and on like the Energizer Bunny, one sleepless night in adulthood may just have you looking for solutions on how to fix a sleep schedule.

There are plenty of things that can keep you from getting your night’s rest, either willfully or not. But knowing the ideal time to go to bed specifically for you can drastically change how you show up in your day.

When is that exactly? That’s where the expertise of Dr. Michael Breus, a.k.a. the Sleep Doctor, comes in. Extracting insights from his The Mastery of Sleep Quest on Mindvalley, here’s where you can find his advice and more information on how to fix your sleep schedule:

Lack of sleep can have you dragging about your day like Lurch in The Addams Family. But resetting your sleep schedule can greatly improve your chances of getting the rest you need and actually waking up feeling great.

Why Does a Regular Sleep Schedule Matter?

Without us even having to consciously say so, our body will signal that it’s wiped out. However, that doesn’t always mean we’re going to bed at a reasonable hour to get the rest we need. So having a sleep schedule can help our bodies do so.

Here are three studies that demonstrate how beneficial a solid sleep schedule can really be:

• One study examined the effects of an irregular bedtime schedule on quality sleep. Its results suggest that having a schedule bolsters better quality rest.

• Another study looked into the association between sleep patterns and body composition. Its findings indicate that the practice can lead to a decrease in fat mass and an increase in lean mass.

• The researchers of a 2020 study explored sleep irregularity and the risk of cardiovascular disease. They found a link between the two, suggesting that having regular sleep duration lowers the risk of heart disease.

“Sleep affects every area of your life,” says Dr. Breus in the Mindvalley Quest. It helps maintain your circadian rhythm, which is the body’s internal clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. And when this happens, it can lead to various benefits for your overall well-being. 

How Does a Sleep Schedule Go Off-Track?

There are countless reasons you may not be getting your beauty sleep as you should. The demands of our modern lifestyles could be leaving you counting sheep ‘til the wee hours of the morning.

According to Harvard Medical School, there are four main reasons why this can happen:

1. Your age. Your body secretes less melatonin (a hormone that promotes sleep) as you get older, which can greatly affect your circadian rhythm. 

2. Your lifestyle. Habits bolster your lifestyle. If you have good habits, your lifestyle tends to be healthier, and vice versa. So drinking alcohol or eating too close to bedtime, napping too much throughout the day, or consuming too much caffeine are all habits that can disrupt your sleep.

3. Your medication. There are some, like antidepressants or corticosteroids, that cause you to wake up at night or shorten your sleep time.

4. Chronic health problems. Some underlying conditions and sleep don’t do well together. These can include anxiety, depression, chronic pain, neuropathy, and sleep apnea.

It’s important to note that if you have trouble sleeping or want to know how to get more deep sleep, it’s advisable to seek medical advice from your health practitioner. Learning how to fix a bad sleep schedule is one thing, but getting an evaluation for your sleep deprivation can help you rule out any underlying medical conditions.

What’s the Ideal Sleep Routine for Your Chronotype?

Some people naturally wake up and sleep early while others do so at a later time. Knowing your chronotype — your body’s natural inclination to fall asleep at a certain time — can help you learn how to fix your sleep schedule and practice better sleep habits. 

Understanding chronotypes

Here’s a closer look at the different chronotypes and their ideal sleep routines:

• Lions. They are the early risers. These are the go-getters, like the CEO of companies, according to Dr. Breus. And, he adds, because they wake up super early, like around 5 a.m., they tend to also fall asleep early, usually by 9 or 10 p.m.

• Bears. The majority of people represent this sleep type and as a consequence, society revolves around the bears’ nine-to-five schedule. 

• Wolves. They’re considered “night owls,” waking up later in the morning (around 9 or 10 a.m.) and sleeping later in the night (around 2 or 3 a.m.).

• Dolphins. This type is added by Dr. Breus to include those “who have difficulty sleeping — so, erratic sleep schedules, short sleep drive. But they are oftentimes very highly intelligent people, but they’ve just got a little bit of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.”

Curious to find out yours? You can take the chronotype quiz to see which one you are.

Ideal sleep routine for your chronotype

Chronotypes are part of your biology, so it’s not possible to change them. However, you can adjust your sleep habits so you can get high-quality rest at night.

“Everybody’s sleep need is individualized,” explains Dr. Breus. So how do you find the best bedtime and wake-up time for your chronotype? It seems that it simply takes a little bit of math.

Here are a few things to first keep in mind:

• One sleep cycle lasts, on average, around 90 minutes.
• We go through about four to six sleep cycles per night, which equals the recommended six to nine hours of sleep.

So to find your bedtime, take your “socially determined wake-up time” and count backward about seven-and-a-half hours. For example, if you have to wake up at 7 a.m. to get to work by 8 a.m., then count backward and your bedtime should be 11:30 p.m.

It takes a little experimenting, though, because your sleep cycle is unique. It took Dr. Breus a few times to find that his sleep cycle is six-and-a-half hours of sleep. So for him to wake up at 6:30 a.m., he goes to bed at 12 p.m.

You can watch him explain it more on Mindvalley Talks:

5 Tips for Better Sleep Habits From Dr. Michael Breus

“Everything you do, you do better with a good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Breus. That’s not just another sleep quote but a fact. 

While you can’t change your chronotype, you can absolutely learn how to fix your sleep schedule. But how long does it take to fix a sleep schedule? The process may take some time, but taking it one step at a time can help move you in the right direction to quality rest.

And you can start with these tips from Dr. Breus:

1. Give the sun a high-five every morning

Light is the key control of our day-night cycle, influencing everything from our body temperature to our metabolism and sleep. It controls our brains, bodies, and hormones, helping us stay awake during the day and informing our bodies when it is time to unwind and get ready to sleep in the evening.

To sleep better at night, Dr. Breus suggests you expose yourself to sunlight as early as possible in the morning for at least 15 minutes.  Step outside or open your curtains and sit close to a window with the light in your face. And try to take as many breaks outside as often as possible during the day.

If necessary, use a light therapy lamp, especially in the short winter months.

2.  Stop caffeine by 2 p.m.

It can take up to six hours for caffeine from a single cup of coffee to leave your body. 

If you are sensitive to caffeine, even a single cup of coffee taken a few hours before bedtime can leave you feeling jittery and undermine the quality of your sleep. And even if you’re the kind of person who can fall asleep easily after taking caffeine close to bedtime, Dr. Breus says your sleep quality will still be undermined.

So to consolidate your new sleep schedule, try stopping your caffeine intake at least six hours before bedtime.

3. Take a nap-a-latte

Speaking of caffeine, Dr. Breus does suggest taking — what he calls — a nap-a-latte. It combines coffee and a power nap taken “somewhere in the early afternoon.”

Here’s how to do it:

• Get a cup of black coffee,
• Add three ice cubes,
• Chug it down really quickly, and
• Go take a nap.

If you’re a new parent, this is also a great sleep tip. Dr. Breus advises you to do it as your child is napping. He adds, “You’ll have more energy, more patience, and more focus for your child and all other parts of your busy life.”

4.  Stop drinking alcohol 3 hours before bedtime

A glass of wine (or similar) taken before bedtime might make you feel drowsy at first, but as the night progresses, you will sleep less soundly and wake up feeling fatigued in the morning.

It takes your body one hour to completely get rid of one drink, so if you take two drinks before bedtime, it will take two hours for the alcohol to leave your system.

For a healthy sleep schedule and heightened focus during the day, Dr. Breus advises that you stop drinking alcohol at least three hours before bedtime.

5.  Exercise regularly

Research has shown that regular moderate aerobic exercise increases the amount of slow-wave sleep you get. (Slow wave sleep refers to deep sleep, where the body gets a chance to rejuvenate itself.)

Exercise can also help stabilize your mood and decompress the mind, a cognitive process important for naturally transitioning to sleep and, thus, a very important component to include in your sleep schedule implementation.

However, exercising has an impact on your sleep. According to Dr. Breus’s five-action sleep schedule plan, you should try to stop exercising four hours before bedtime to ensure that you get that much-needed effortless slumber for optimal overall function.

Better Sleep, Better Life, Better You

Certainly, you’ve experienced the warmth and energy in your vibes after a good night’s sleep. But if you need help getting it on a more consistent basis, you can learn how to with Dr. Michael Breus at Mindvalley.

His The Mastery of Sleep Quest can help you get the shut-eye you need. You’ll learn how to:

• Identify your chronotype, 
• Figure out your ideal bedtime, 
• Discover how many hours of sleep you really need, 
• Learn how to reprogram your mind and body to sleep properly, and
• Wake up with the energy and pep you need to get on with your day.

You can preview the first few lessons when you sign up for a Mindvalley account. What’s more, you’ll have access to the vast library of meditations, so you’ll have additional resources specifically designed to help you sleep.

The thing is, your slumber is a personal one. So learning how to fix your sleep schedule should be, too.

Your employees are one of the most important aspects of running a successful business, so keeping the good ones is critical. Yet, you won’t get anyone to stick around for long if you’re a lousy boss. In order to build a thriving business with employees let’s stick around for the long haul, you need to be a great employer. Here are some of the most practical ways to get the most and best out of your staff.

Create a Great Work Environment

Creating a work environment that your employees look forward to going to every day is key. Your employees should feel safe on the job, welcomed, and above all, comfortable. Create an environment that inspires good work and their best efforts. If you can manage to do this, they’ll be much more likely to do their best and continue showing up every day. If your employees dread going to where they work it’s no mystery why you have a high employee turnover.

Communicate

Communication is one of the most important aspects of any relationship, and an employee-employer relation is no exception. Be consistent and clear when communicating with your employees. When employees feel like they’re missing direction or they’re not clear on what their role is, things start going wrong.

It’s your job as their employer to ensure that everyone is on the same page with a clear understanding— particularly during times of uncertainty. You can communicate by means of face-to-face meetings, calls, emails, or even video meetings. Whatever form of communication you choose, make sure that it’s consistent. Get everyone on the same page and encourage staff to share their ideas and concerns as a team. The more employees feel heard and respected, the less likely you are to encounter issues.

Reward Hard Work

When employees feel recognized they’re more likely to continue delivering great work. So, when an employee consistently does good work or delivers above and beyond, it’s important that you compensate them for their efforts.

When people feel appreciated, it fosters a healthy work environment. Staff will continue to deliver fantastic results, and inspire other team members to do the same. Rewards can be anything from financial bonuses to tickets to a local show. Find creative ways to provide incentives for employees for reaching your company goals.

Handle Conflict Effectively

Conflicts arise from time to time. The best way to handle conflict is to get involved as early as possible. The more you can recognize issues among staff early on, the less likely it is to escalate into something bigger.

Encourage communication and get to the bottom of any problems that arise. Meet with anyone who is involved in the problem and get everyone’s side of the story before you attempt resolution. In most cases, handling a problem early on will clear up misunderstandings and get everyone back on track.

Has your fear of public speaking hold you back from promotions, networking opportunities, or even college classes? If so, then it’s time to take control and tackle this common yet powerful obstacle! This post will provide practical advice on how to face these fears head-on and transform them into confidence.

You’ll learn why building resilience is essential for successful public speaking as well as gain access to resources that can help build up courage and create an effective speech. By following the steps outlined here, you too can become a confident speaker in no time. So let’s get started—it’s time to conquer your fear of public speaking once and for all!

Learn How to Turn Your Fears Into Fuel and Conquer Any Obstacle

Here are some tips on how to take the fear out of public speaking. There are ways to overcome your fear of public speaking and become a confident speaker.

Accept Fear as Part of the Process

The first step is to accept that fear as part of the process. Fear is a natural reaction to any situation that causes us stress or anxiety. It’s important to remember that feeling afraid is normal. Once you accept that fear is natural, it will be easier for you to move forward.

 “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” 

 Marianne Williamson

Start Small

Once you’ve accepted your fear, start small. Start by speaking in front of family and friends, or even practice in front of a mirror if need be! This will help build your confidence and your journey towards becoming a confident public speaker has started. Working up from here will allow for gradual improvement and keep your progress steady and manageable.

Determine Your Focus

Before giving any type of speech or presentation, determine what the focus should be on—whether it’s highlighting certain points or discussing certain topics—and stick to it throughout your entire talk. This will help keep you organized and provide structure for yourself, which can help reduce anxiety. Additionally, make sure to avoid getting too caught up in other elements like body language or vocal quality; focus on providing meaningful content instead!

Prepare in Advance

To feel confident when presenting to an audience, it’s important to be prepared and know your topic well. Before you speak, do some research and make sure you understand the main points you want to cover. It’s also a good idea to think about questions the audience might ask and practice your speech out loud. This way, you’ll feel more confident when you present and won’t be as nervous about forgetting what you want to say.

Read: 10 Habits That Separate The Rich From The Poor

Focus on Your Audience

When delivering a presentation, focus on connecting with your audience rather than worrying about how they may be judging you. Try to remind yourself that they are listening because they won’t hear what you have to say—not because they are looking for mistakes or waiting for you to fail. To foster a connection with them, maintain eye contact as much as possible and use language that everyone can understand.

Also, remember that humour is always welcome; if appropriate, try adding some lighthearted jokes to your presentation. This can help break down barriers between yourself and the audience and make them more receptive to what you have to say.

Read: How to Be Confident Enough: A Guide to Boosting Your Confidence

Take Deep Breaths

When nerves start running high before you’re about to present, don’t panic—take deep breaths instead! Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale out through your mouth. This will help relax your body and clear your mind. With that said you can focus on delivering that perfect presentation without worrying about what might go wrong.

Use Visual Aids

Using visuals such as PowerPoint slides or props can help keep your eyes off of you while delivering a presentation. Visual aids provide structure for a presentation and keep audiences engaged while providing them with something interesting to look at. Plus, if you forget something during the presentation, the visual aids will be there as reminders. That way you don’t get stuck without knowing what comes next.

Conclusion:

With proper preparation, deep breaths, and helpful visual aids, conquering the fear of public speaking doesn’t seem like such a daunting task after all! Knowing your material inside-out will give you confidence when it comes time for you to present it. Having visuals available will keep the audience’s eyes off of you and serve as helpful reminders if you forget something during the presentation.

Start by taking small steps towards becoming more comfortable with speaking publicly until giving a speech in front of hundreds won’t seem so scary! With these few tips under your belt, conquering public speaking fears is within reach!

Are you choosing to live a happy, fulfilled life?

That’s right, studies have proven that ninety percent of the factors that make the difference between a happy life and an unhappy life are factors within your control. One life hack proven to help unlock your best life is setting, pursuing, and achieving goals.

But you don’t have to take my word for it; many other people are proving this point every single day. They are setting goals, doing the work and building the life of their dreams.

Don’t Take My Word For It, a new Operation Melt blog series, shares how other people – people just like you – are choosing to achieve happiness through their goals.

Yes, you can choose a happy life, but don’t take my word for it!

Amuse-Bouche

Before we jump into today's post, I offer you this "dad joke" as a light "amuse-bouche" to entertain your mind before we get serious. Like any other amuse-bouche, you may hate it, but it is worth every penny you paid for it, right?

My grandad always used to say, "as one door closes, another one opens." Lovely man, terrible cabinet maker.

You Can Always Make a Fresh Start (Interview)

For this inaugural Don’t Take My Word For It post, I am sharing my first-ever Interview with a Goal-Crusher. In these interviews, I sit down with someone that is accomplishing big things by setting and achieving their goals to learn their secrets. Then I share those secrets with you. It’s like free mentoring from someone already on the road to success. Who doesn’t want that?!

It was early Spring of 2022 in Columbus, Ohio, but the weather was anything but spring-like. People throughout the city were still wearing their heavy winter coats to protect them from the cold. That’s when a new business opened that provided an oasis to escape their winter blues and the stressors of the world around them.

After months of hard work, Fresh Start Yoga officially opened its doors in Columbus’ Brewery District in Columbus in April 2022. Occupying a space above a decades-old popular bar, this studio offers clients a welcoming environment where they can move, reflect and get their own fresh start.

I recently had an opportunity to talk to first-time business owner Jessica Jenkins about the studio, her goals and how she brought this studio to life.

Please introduce yourself and tell Operation Melt readers what you do.

Hi! I am Jessica Jenkins; I have recently opened a downtown Columbus yoga studio, Fresh Start Yoga. The studio is located upstairs at 543 South High Street. As the owner, I teach most classes and run day-to-day operations.

Tell me more about Fresh Start: what is the vibe, and what’s your vision for the studio?

Yoga can be intimidating to some, and I don’t want people to feel that here.

My vision for Fresh Start Yoga is to create a community. I want everyone to be able to come to class and feel comfortable and welcomed.

This is your safe space.

I can personally say that you are achieving this vision. After taking a few yoga classes at the studio, I can say that I have always felt welcomed and never judged. You are such an excellent yoga instructor! How did you get started with yoga? What drew you to it?

I have struggled for some time with severe anxiety and depression. It has been crippling at times. I felt stuck and didn’t know how to overcome this problem.

A friend suggested that I try yoga. It took me a while to actually do it, but when I finally did, it was a game changer. Yoga was one hour of my day that I was out of my own head, and it felt so good to move my body. While I still suffer from anxiety, yoga has given me tools to help.

Every time I left class, I felt like it was my fresh start to my day. This is where the Fresh Start name came from. I want to be a place where people can get their fresh start.

I always say you never regret yoga.

Opening a business is a big decision; what motivated you to take the plunge?

I have known since I was a child that I wanted to work in the personal fitness space. I had been teaching yoga at another studio for quite some time and always thought about how cool it would be to open a studio of my own.

The current Fresh Start space became available, and I knew I had to give it a chance.

I didn’t ever want to look back and think, “what if?”

As a first-time business owner, what have been your biggest challenges for far, and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge has been learning how to run a business – I am still learning every day.

I had to build confidence to be the best owner I could be. I almost talked myself out of it several times. Support from my friends, family, and Operation Melt coaching has helped me conquer my fears.

What goal success tips and techniques have worked well for you that you would like to share with my readers?

Writing down your goals! Seeing a goal on paper makes it that much more real.

Keep your goals visible – it can be a vision board or even as simple as a PostIt note on the mirror reminding yourself you’ve got this. It feels so good to mark something off your list.

Stay true to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if something takes a little longer than you thought. As long as you stay focused, you will get there!

Try to stay consistent, and it will pay off. We are humans, and we have to remember that.

What else would you like my Operation Melt readers to know about your journey?

I honestly never thought I would be here following my dream. It is scary, and I feel out of my comfort zone more often than not. But the rewards are so worth it!

To learn more about Fresh Start Yoga, you can visit their website at www.freshstart-yoga.com and follow them on Facebook (@FreshStartYoga614) and Instagram (@fresh_start_yoga). If group workouts aren’t your thing, Fresh Start Yoga offers private lessons.

My big thanks to Jessica for participating in this Interview with a Goal-Crusher. Kudos and mad respect to her for all of her hard-fought success! Her story proves that a bit of courage and pursuing well-crafted goals can change your life. The life of your dreams is within reach, and you can always make a fresh start.

Need a little help crafting your goals? Struggling to build a plan that works for you? I would love to be your partner and help you get moving. Check out my Coaching page to learn about my life, goals, health, career and leadership coaching services.

I believe in you; let me help YOU believe in you!

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“Be a good steward of your gifts,” the poet Jane Kenyon urged in what remains some of the finest advice on writing and life ever committed to words. Our gifts come unbidden — that is what makes them gifts — but with them also comes a certain responsibility, a duty to live up to and live into our creative potential as human beings. “Talent is insignificant. I know a lot of talented ruins,” James Baldwin admonished in his advice on writing. “Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck, but most of all, endurance.” That durational willingness to work at our gifts, to steward them with disciplined devotion, is our fundamental responsibility to them — our fundamental responsibility to ourselves.

Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928–May 28, 2014) considers what that means and what it takes in a wonderful 1983 interview, included in Black Women Writers at Work (public library).

She reflects:

I try to live what I consider a “poetic existence.” That means I take responsibility for the air I breathe and the space I take up. I try to be immediate, to be totally present for all my work.

[…]

My responsibility as a writer is to be as good as I can be at my craft. So I study my craft… Learning the craft, understanding what language can do, gaining control of the language, enables one to make people weep, make them laugh, even make them go to war. You can do this by learning how to harness the power of the word. So studying my craft is one of my responsibilities. The other is to be as good a human being as I possibly can be so that once I have achieved control of the language, I don’t force my weaknesses on a public who might then pick them up and abuse themselves.

With an eye to the abiding mystery of our creative gifts, she adds:

I believe talent is like electricity. We don’t understand electricity. We use it. Electricity makes no judgment. You can plug into it and light up a lamp, keep a heart pump going, light a cathedral, or you can electrocute a person with it. Electricity will do all that. It makes no judgment. I think talent is like that. I believe every person is born with talent.

When asked how she fits her art into her life, Angelou responds:

Writing is a part of my life; cooking is a part of my life. Making love is a part of my life; walking down the street is a part of it. Writing demands more time, but it takes from all of these other activities. They all feed into the writing. I think it’s dangerous to concern oneself too damned much with “being an artist.” It’s more important to get the work done. You don’t have to concern yourself with it, just get it done. The pondering pose — the back of the hand glued against the forehead — is baloney. People spend more time posing than getting the work done. The work is all there is. And when it’s done, then you can laugh, have a pot of beans, stroke some child’s head, or skip down the street.

Complement with Susan Sontag on writing and what it means to be a decent human being and Olga Tokarczuk’s magnificent Nobel Prize acceptance speech about storytelling and the art of tenderness, then revisit Maya Angelou on courage and facing evil, identity and the meaning of life, and her cosmic clarion call to humanity.

Bad bosses may make good TV and movie villains. It’s true. But as an entrepreneur with dreams of success, you don’t want them to play starring roles in your company’s show. Unfortunately, many toxic leaders are also very crafty. If you’re not attuned to their subtle negativity, you might overlook problems and end up courting significant consequences.

As an entrepreneur, you know that your team is the backbone of your business. That’s why it is important to pay attention to the dynamics between your employees and their supervisors. If you have a toxic manager on your hands, it could spell disaster for your company. Professionals leaving their job due to a poor supervisor is not just a theoretical problem; many have left their jobs because they felt disrespected. 

Don’t let a toxic leader bring down your business. Keep an eye out for these warning signs and nip them in the bud before it’s too late. Trying to replace talent is challenging in any market. Additionally, if your startup has a reputation for being a difficult workplace, it will be harder to attract and keep top talent.

The good news is that it’s possible to spot early warning signs of toxic leadership in your midst. Just remember to look beyond the obvious. It’s a piece of cake to notice a firebrand who scares direct reports or someone who’s impolite, vulgar, or rude. Yet it’s also important to watch for the following low-level indicators of negativity among your executives and managers. That way, you can intervene quickly and either coach the coachable or let go of the irredeemable.

1. They Never Take Ownership Of Errors

The blame game is a real issue in many offices. That isn’t good if you have a director or supervisor who always points fingers. It means you can never get to the root of any problem so that it can be fixed.

Many bad leaders are good at blaming people who are unfavored or not well-known. For instance, a supervisor might blame errors on newer or younger employees. These employees may not understand how to speak up for themselves and maybe gaslighted into believing they are at fault. As a result, the toxic leader skirts any responsibility and the employee feels guilty for no reason. 

To avoid allowing this kind of behavior, practice total accountability. Start by making yourself the role model, so everyone knows that making mistakes is acceptable as long as you learn from them and try to avoid making the same mistake twice. Clear transparency is important in leadership, especially when things don’t go as planned. Leaders need to take responsibility for their actions and admit when they are wrong. This allows for a culture of trust and openness within the company.

“A leader is admired, a boss is feared.“

2. They Like To Play The Gossip Game

Gossiping negatively is a destructive behavior that can be especially harmful when it comes from a manager. Not only does it spread quickly and ruin reputations, but it also does a disservice to the company. Ironically, despite their negative impact, toxic managers who engage in gossip may be well-liked because they always seem to have the latest information.

It would help if you acted when you realized that you have a gossiper in a leadership role. Gossiping pits team members against each other and allows cliques to form. This can destroy a healthy corporate culture and cause rifts between people and departments. Eventually, the rifts will impact your work on behalf of clients or customers.

Gossip can be a destructive force in the workplace, but it’s challenging to stop it once it starts. Bring attention to the issue and suggest alternative behaviors, such as expressing gratitude and appreciation. Focusing on these positive emotions can help slow the spread of negativity and mistreatment in the office.

3. They Show Their Bias Against Particular Employees

As a leader, you’ll always have employees who are better performers than others. Typically, they’re your go-to team members for important projects and you hope they’ll stick around to be tomorrow’s leaders. Yet it would help if you did more than shower them with all your attention since that’s what bad bosses do.

A poor manager will focus all coaching and mentoring efforts on one or two favorite employees and ignore the rest. While this makes sense and is natural in one way, it alienates most of the team and prevents others from stretching their wings. That’s not good. Employees may initially have steeper learning curves but eventually become superstars with enough support.

Keep a close eye on your direct reports, who are your leaders. Do they bypass other employees for assignments, including smaller tasks that could serve as learning opportunities? You may have to intervene and insist that the work be completed more fairly. Ensure the leader doesn’t sabotage your request by withholding information to prove you wrong.

Toxicity has no place in your startup. It’s that simple. When you see it, put an end to it. Thanks to your diligence, your culture and your brand will be much better off.